Liver Disease

Cirrhosis is a condition that leads to the scarring of the liver, and can be caused by several factors. Cirrhosis is the third most common cause of death among people ages 45 to 65 in the US, after heart disease and cancer.

Read on to find out what the symptoms of cirrhosis are and what can be done to prevent it.

What Causes Cirrhosis? One of the most common causes of cirrhosis is alcohol abuse. Chronic excessive drinking is hard on the liver and can cause it to become inflamed, and this inflammation can lead to a permanent scarring.The liver can also become scarred from the hepatitis C virus, which is the most common chronic blood-born infection in the US. Cirrhosis is also a symptom of fatty liver disease, which is caused by a build-up of fat deposits in the liver and is linked to those who are overweight or obese.

What Are the Symptoms of Cirrhosis? When scarring becomes severe enough to interfere with the liver’s normal functions, cirrhosis symptoms begin to show. These include blood in the stools, as well as throwing up blood, nausea, loss of appetite and weight loss.Other symptoms include stomach pain or discomfort, fatigue, weakness and jaundice, which causes the skin or whites of the eyes to appear yellow. If you experience any of these symptoms, LIC Urgent Med can help to determine what the cause is, whether it’s cirrhosis or another condition.

How Can Cirrhosis Be Treated? Further liver damage can be prevented or controlled with medication, but the existing liver scarring caused by cirrhosis is generally not considered to be reversible. Those whose cirrhosis is due to alcohol abuse should stop drinking completely and permanently.Patients whose cirrhosis is related to fatty liver disease due to being overweight or obese should speak to a doctor regarding starting a safe weight loss or exercise regimen. Those with hepatitis C who are concerned about cirrhosis should speak to a doctor about symptoms and testing, as well as lifestyle changes they can make in order to decrease their chances of developing cirrhosis.

Primary and Urgent Medical Care in Astoria

To learn more about cirrhosis and how it can be prevented or controlled, please contact us today and schedule an appointment. Our offices are located in Astoria, and we can be reached at (718) 204-7550. We hope to hear from you soon.